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Empowering Researchers under the GTCR-MENA Programme 2026

Deadline: 16-Apr-2026

The GTCR-MENA programme, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), provides funding for scientists in selected Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries to strengthen research capacity, scientific collaboration, and innovation. Grants support equipment, consumables, student training, publications, conference participation, collaboration with German institutions, and women returning from maternity leave across technology, health, climate, and social sciences.

Program Overview

The GTCR-MENA 2026 programme aims to enhance research infrastructure, collaboration, and scientific output in MENA countries. It prioritizes high-impact technologies, applied sciences, and humanities research, offering funding for material resources, professional development, and international collaboration.

Key Research Focus Areas

  1. High-Tech and Emerging Technologies:

    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

    • Quantum Technologies

    • Microelectronics

    • Biotechnology

    • Fusion Energy and Climate-Neutral Energy Transition

    • Technology for Climate-Neutral Mobility

    • Aerospace

  2. Health and Environmental Sciences:

    • Health Research

    • Marine Studies

    • Climate and Sustainability Research

  3. Humanities and Social Sciences:

    • Economics, Finance, and Trade

    • Political Science

    • International Relations

    • Human Geography

Grant Components and Funding

The programme consists of eight primary components and an additional support grant for female scientists:

  1. Equipment Grant (up to USD 20,000)

    • Purchase of laboratory equipment required for approved research.

    • Excludes fuel, consultants/labour fees, laptops, tablets, drones, and lab animals.

    • Equipment ≥ USD 5,000 requires a proforma invoice from a supplier.

  2. Consumables Grant (up to USD 15,000)

    • Covers research consumables and may support fieldwork and equipment maintenance.

    • Same exclusions as equipment grant.

  3. MSc Training Grant (up to USD 10,000)

    • Supports training and supervision of MSc students within research groups.

    • Requires submission of the designated MSc form via the application portal.

  4. International Conference Grant (up to USD 3,000)

    • Participation in reputable international conferences directly linked to the research project.

  5. Open Access Publication Grant (up to USD 2,000)

    • Covers fees for publishing in open access peer-reviewed journals.

  6. Skills-Building Workshop Grant

    • Participation in a TWAS-organized workshop covering research proposal writing, communication, sustainable development, and plagiarism awareness.

  7. Collaboration with German Scientist Grant (up to USD 7,000)

    • Covers travel, accommodation, and laboratory bench costs for visits to German partner institutions.

    • Requires an ongoing or newly established collaboration supported by a Letter of Collaboration.

  8. Female “Scientist-After-Child” Grant

    • Provides funding for a research assistant for up to 12 months.

    • Eligible for women scientists returning after maternity leave or currently pregnant.

Duration and Usage

  • Grants are awarded for 24 months.

  • Funds primarily support research equipment, consumables, and project-related activities.

  • Salaries for principal investigators, general travel, and purchase of laptops/tablets/drones/animals are not covered.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Nationality/Residency: Nationals and preferably residents of Algeria or other eligible MENA countries.

  • Age: Male applicants ≤ 40 years. Female applicants may extend age limit +2 years per child, up to 46 years.

  • Education: Must hold a PhD.

  • Proposal Requirements: Strong research proposal aligned with High-Tech Agenda Germany or strategic research fields specified in the call.

How to Apply

  1. Prepare Research Proposal:

    • Clearly align with one of the priority research areas.

    • Include objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance.

  2. Identify Grant Components:

    • Select applicable components: Equipment, Consumables, MSc Training, Conference, Publication, Skills Workshop, German Collaboration, or Female Scientist-After-Child.

  3. Provide Supporting Documents:

    • Proforma invoices for equipment ≥ USD 5,000.

    • MSc forms if applying for MSc Training Grant.

    • Letter of Collaboration for German scientist grant.

  4. Submit via Online Portal:

    • Complete all required fields.

    • Verify eligibility criteria, age, and residency requirements.

  5. Evaluation:

    • Applications are reviewed based on scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with GTCR-MENA priorities.

    • Selected candidates will receive funding and guidance for research implementation and international collaboration.

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Provide detailed budget justification for each component.

  • Demonstrate capacity to complete the project within 24 months.

  • Highlight collaboration potential with German or other international partners.

  • Ensure all supporting documents are complete and verifiable.

  • Female applicants returning from maternity leave should clearly indicate eligibility for the Scientist-After-Child grant.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for multiple grant components?
Yes, scientists may apply for several or all components based on project needs.

2. Are travel and salaries covered?
General travel and salaries for the Principal Investigator are not funded, except travel for German collaboration or conference participation.

3. What is required for the German collaboration grant?
A Letter of Collaboration from a German partner institution and evidence of ongoing or newly established collaboration.

4. Who can apply for the Female “Scientist-After-Child” Grant?
Women returning to research post-maternity leave or currently pregnant, with a child ≤ 12 months at the time of application.

5. Is prior collaboration experience with German institutions mandatory?
No, applicants may establish a new collaboration through the program, supported by a Letter of Collaboration.

6. What is the maximum age for female applicants?
46 years, allowing for +2 years per child up to a maximum of three children.

7. Are MSc students eligible for funding directly?
No, the MSc Training Grant supports students under supervision of the PI as part of the research project.

Conclusion

The GTCR-MENA 2026 programme empowers scientists in MENA countries to pursue high-impact research, strengthen international collaboration, and develop local research capacity. With flexible grant components covering equipment, consumables, training, publication, and mentorship, the initiative promotes sustainable research, scientific excellence, and integration with Germany’s High-Tech Agenda.

For more information, visit TWAS.